Last month I took part in a special Valentine’s Day themed scavenger hunt put together by the artist Never Lego. Clues were given over Instagram on where you could find free Valentine’s Day art goodies made by the artist. Many of the clues took you to famous hot spots in the art community and ended at the Art Walk in Downtown Los Angeles. It was there where I first got to meet Never Lego and claim my first scavenger hunt prize. The prize bundle Never Lego created included customized heart spray cans, stickers, and a heart key chain. I was able to interview Never Lego on his name, the importance of the bright colors in his art, and how deep his appreciation for the Lego really went. This is his story…

What are 3 things we should know about you?

My real name is Wil and the name Never Lego comes from holding onto what you love the most and never letting it go. I also fight crime at night as a super hero.

I took part in your Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt that was located in different art

hot spots in the Los Angeles area. Where did the idea for the scavenger hunt come

from?

The idea of the scavenger hunt is nothing new in the street art community so I decided to add the art of giving by giving back to the followers and fans that have shown nothing but love along the way. Hearts are a major theme in all my work so it was only fitting to return the love on Valentine’s Day. I decided to place items in areas around the city that are easily relatable to the street art fans and in places that if I took a picture of the place, people would find easily. I ended the scavenger hunt at art walk that night and decided to personally give items to any that came out.

You mentioned that hearts are a major theme in many of your pieces. Is this your symbol for your love of art?

Yes, I have always thought that if you can’t put your heart into what you’re doing then don’t do it.

Judging by your name “Never Lego” I would assume that you enjoy Legos. How deep does your appreciation for the Lego go?

Lol yes, I have a thing for those little toys. Let’s just say the love goes all the way to my day job. Legos are one of the best forms of creative thinking. Just give a child a bucket of Legos and watch the creative process take control.

I love the bright colors you use in your art because it makes your pieces stand out.

Was that intentional?

Yes, that is very intentional on my part. My aim is to get a person to put their cell phone down for 3 seconds and take a look and smile; if I get them to stop and take a picture then that’s even better. People are so busy these days and are always looking down at their phones that I figured by putting bright colors in the art that it would make them stop and look.

 I found an art piece of yours on Melrose of a milk carton that said “missing”

with hearts and your name written on the side. Were these for a certain art series?

Those were for the first scavenger hunt that I did last summer. I made six wooden hearts in different sizes and colors and placed them right next to the milk carton. The idea was

that the hearts were missing and close by so look around.

What’s next for Never Lego?

I’m going to be creative and push forward in street art. I also have some work in the future with the lulu and leo foundation that is going to be really exciting.

For More Information:

Website: Neverlegomyheart.bigcartel.com

Instagram: @never_lego

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Never-Lego/526932073985145

-Adrianne

Tweet Me! @ADRI86

Once again, The Gallery Los Angeles is keeping L.A. Fashion Weekend fresh with new designers, live entertainment, and top celebrities at it’s highly-coveted spring event, L.A. Fashion Weekend at Sunset Gower Studios. L.A. Fashion Weekend at Sunset Gower Studios is going into its ninth consecutive season, beginning Thursday, March 14 and ending Saturday, March 16, and promises an exciting new approach to L.A. Fashion Weekend this year.

The weekend will reach an all time high on Saturday night with the first-ever L.A. Fashion Weekend Awards, celebrating the show’s designers and sponsors from 2012. The black tie event raises the Fashion Weekend bar with live performances from Kimberly Caldwell and Sabrina Antoinette of Chris Brown’s label CBE. A panel of celebrity judges and presenters, including Peggy Tanous of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County and Rocco Leo Gaglioti of Fashion News Live and E! Celebrity Style Story, will honor the best of the best from the 2012 season. Nominations include Mens/Womenswear Couture Award, Contemporary Designer Award, Emerging Designer Award, and Resort Wear Award.

Watch Sabrina Antoinett's interview and performance tomo on the #weekendmixtape

Need a little pep in your step or some motivation to get going? This shoe by Google is pretty snarky and will keep it real.

Ok, it was just hailing in Burbank! Which is pretty rad, because that never happens. So inspired by the rain, hail and snow hitting LA + the surrounding area I thought it would pretty appropriate for this #NailFileFriday to be inspired by mother nature...

The artwork of FAILE from artists Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller is a blend of mixed visual imagery and narrative that give you a perfect overload of the senses. I have always enjoyed their comic book themed pieces because while they represent a bit of classic nostalgia, they also have a twist of modern themes as well. FAILE’s recent collaboration with the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center stood tall and glorious with the installation containing several individualized painted wooden pieces. Their transition from putting art in the streets to an established place such as the Lincoln Center shows how powerful the artwork of FAILE has become. I was able to speak to Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller on this successful installation, how living in Brooklyn has sparked their art and how they go about reinventing their art for the next audience. This is their story….

What does each artist bring to FAILE in regards to the creation process for the art?

Well it’s just the two of us Patricks, in collaboration. When we started there were three of us with Aiko Nakagawa (Lady Aiko) who left in 2006 to pursue her own career. In many ways we like to think that we work like a band. We both have our individual skills but it takes the two of us to really make the music or art in our case. At some point we are both involved in that creative process and shaping the artwork in a particular way. 

 How did FAILE first come together and where did the name come from?

Patrick and I met the first day of high school when we were 14. We used to trade sketchbooks and had a mutual appreciation for art. In 1999, when we were both away in college we decided to take that continuing collaboration to another level, creating our first series of works on the street. It was a series of sleeping female nudes, which was in some response to seeing works on the street that were more masculine or aggressive art at the time. We wanted to convey something softer and beautiful, a nod to a classic art theme and given it was a new project the name ALIFE was a perfect fit. The work had a life on the street – it was there one day and gone the next. It so happened, that there was an urban clothing and culture brand with the same name that had, coincidentally, opened around the same time in NYC. Given they were a bit more recognized, we were faced with changing the name. The idea of failing and from that gaining the strength to move forward and grow resonated with us, hence the anagram FAILE. 

Do you feel that social sites such as Twitter and Instagram have played an integral part in spreading the word about FAILE? Do you feel that there are any disadvantages to social sites regarding how your art is displayed?

It’s amazing. We actually didn’t really start using Instagram or Facebook in a concerted way until this November and the following has been amazing. It really is a new way to connect with an audience – to share the work that’s being created in a way that can reach anyone. That was the whole idea with street art for us in the beginning, that we could reach so many people just working directly on the street, not being burdened with approval from the formal art world. Social media and the internet reach people in the same way. The only disadvantage is that art is never as good in a photo as it is in reality but for many that is not possible to see works that are in other parts of the world or on the street for a short time before disappearing. Also for young artists in small towns around the world, the internet and social media, let’s them participate in a global dialogue even if they can’t travel or few people can see their work in person. They can still have an impact and a voice. 

FAILE is doing an amazing exhibition at Lincoln Center that involves the New York City Ballet. What can you share regarding this project and what are you hoping that the audience will take away from the experience?

The project with NYC Ballet has really been incredible. They have an amazing heritage of artist collaborations from Warhol, Keith Haring, Julian Schnabel and many more. In their modern art series they are really trying to continue their tradition of being at the forefront of what’s modern. We’ve created a very large-scale installation there and the response has been great. Exhibiting in Lincoln Center in New York is an honor and NYCB has been an incredible host. I think our hope was to again introduce new audiences to our work and new audiences to the ballet. There’s a real generational crossroads at the ballet and it’s been great to support these two worlds meeting. 

My favorite pieces from FAILE are the ones that have the vintage and comic book feel.  How did this theme in your art first come about?  

We’ve always considered our art as something that is influenced by many different bits and pieces of culture and ephemera. We like to find these bits and pieces and weave new narratives, a modern mythology that is created through our icons and images. It’s how we grew up being told stories to, being advertised to and really just absorbing an overwhelming amount of information and visual language from. Comics, newspapers, advertisements, religious ephemera, punk flyers, skateboard mags – it’s all a part of what speaks to us and our work is born from that. It’s about finding a link in all the madness and creating something of meaning that we can create and share. When we first started making images, they were more simple standalone images (BunnyBoy, FAILE Dog, Surfer Horse), over time we wanted to create more complexity in the images through narrative and language, this was the beginning of the more comic book style works like Agony and Ecstasy and Forbidden Love. 

On your Facebook page, it mentions that FAILE “blurs the line between “high” and “low” culture”. What did you mean by this?

As mentioned, our work references many aspects of culture whether it’s architecture, religion or politics to everyday advertising, the urban landscape or printed ephemera. In this process, the work really takes from all these and creates something new. It becomes a commentary and visual representation of a whole that includes ideas of high and low culture. This also creates new objects in our work for instance, the FAILE Prayer Wheels are inspired by Tibetan Prayer Wheels meeting something like a newspaper advert stand. We were inspired by the idea of – what does one pray for in a modern, materialistic society – which when conceived in 2007 seemed so prevalent. Pairing the traditional prayer wheel with sex ads, the language of advertising and whimsical icons from our work was more commentary on the kinds of objects that might be created from this modern world or that an outsider might say we covet on a sacred level. Playing with and mixing these ideas is a big part of our inspiration.

How has living in Brooklyn influenced the art created by FAILE?

From our point-of-view, Brooklyn in the last 13 years has really become a stronghold of creativity in art, music, writing and cuisine. It’s amazing to be in a place where so many of the things that we’re inspired by are being created. In many ways, Brooklyn and New York City has been our muse. It’s influenced many aspects of our work that’s been woven throughout our imagery, painting and sculpture and we hope we’ve taken from that, transformed it and brought it back to the city in a fresh way. 

Is it difficult to not repeat subject matter?

Much of what we do relies on creating icons and images that resonate with people over a long period of time and about creating our own language of symbols and mythology. Each of these images is a broader part of the work of FAILE. In that way there is something that becomes necessary in keeping older works relevant in the way they interact with newer images. We’ve always tried to keep pushing ourselves and to take risks. We don’t want our fans and collectors to feel like they know what they’re going to see exactly at a show. In our career both on the street and in the studio, I think we’ve done a good job of keeping the element of surprise there – while still giving a clear link to its evolution as FAILE. 


For More Information:

www.faile.net

www.facebook.com/FaileArt

www.instagram.com/FaileArt

-Adrianne

Tweet Me! @ADRI86

No really, Denim designer Naked & Famous has unveiled the first ever pair of jeans that change colors with your body heat. They start off blue and as you warm up they change to white.

The thermochromic jean is filed under the brand’s “Weird Guy” collection and is available at Barneys New York for $240. The Canadian brand is also behind fashion items like the pair of scratch-and-sniff jeans, glow-in-the-dark jeans, and also a pair of jeans so thick and heavy that it could stand on its own.

This gives a new meaning to the phrase, "That's Hot."

We had some amazing looks pop by this month! Check out all our #OOTD posts from February and don't forget to stay connected to KIIS on Instagram with @1027KIISFM

Loving Demi Lovato's (@ddlovato) outfit from @topshop this morning! #ootd

Is it just us or is @michaelbuble ridiculously good looking? Rocking his @dsquared2 & @officialrolex this morning! #ootd

We have no words... Just look for yourself! Miguel rocked it this morning @onairwithryan! #ootd

The gorgeous Miss Universe @OliviaCulpo rocking a fab Milly dress & Chinese Laundry heels! #ootd so cute!

The beautiful Miss USA @NanaMeriwether stopped by @onairwithryan & of course we had to snap an #OOTD shoes by Steve Madden Jacket from Bebe & her dress she bought in NOLA over Super Bowl weekend! Lookin fab!

@EmmyRossum in the studio looking amazing in her Prabal Gurung for @Target shoes, and blazer by Zara!! Can't wait to see her in "Beautiful Creatures" in theaters now! #ootd#Shameless

Totally loving @kendalljenner's look today! #ootd We love you Kendall!

#ootd @kyliejenner looked so fab this morning when she stopped by @onairwithryan! Check out their clothing line at PacSun!

Love the look! @safehavenmovie star @juleshough in her Brian Atwood shoes & adorable necklace from@ryanseacrest! #ootd #safehaven

Look how cute our @officialellenk looks today!! Rockin' that pilgrim collar #ootd#socute @onairwithryan

Ever wonder how to get those locks looking red carpet ready? Check out my how to's below!

Straight and chic, Jennifer Hudson opted for a simple sleek hair. Her fringe is definitely on trend for this upcoming spring season!

Get the sexy look: 

- On damp hair, apply  a cocktail of Straight Sexy Hair's  Darn Straight with Healthy Sexy's Soy Renewal argan oil  and blowdry to polish the hair.

-  Using a flat iron, take sections of hair and use Straight Sexy Hair's Smooth and Protect flat iron spray to provide the ultimate frizz- free shine!

Effortless elegance, Jennifer Lawrence went this upswept textured chignon which allows her and her gown to shine! 

Get the Sexy Look:

-On damp hair mist Healthy Sexy Hair's Beach Spray and scrunch dry with a blowdryer to give volume and an undone texture.

-  Take a U-shaped section on the top profile and diagonal forward section on both sides. The rest of the hair in the back profile is

brought to a ponytail base.

-  Apply  Big Sexy Hair's Powder Play to the ponytail to create volume and texture and back brush to create a cushion.

- Next finger smooth down the top profile section and secure it the ponytail leaving the ends to hang over the back brushed ponytail.

- Move to the side sections and loosely  twist both sides to meet in the back ponytail  leaving ends untwisted secure.

-Lastly, take the loose ends and use it to mold over the back combed section into shape using Big Sexy Hair and secure.

Understated and smooth Sandra Bullock proves that red carpet hair doesn't always have to be overly done, a beautiful of center part and hair statement hair accessory ties her look together.

Get the Sexy Look:

-Wash the hair with Silky Sexy Hair Shampoo and Conditioner to hydrate, smooth and provide lots shine to those locks!

- On towel dried hair, apply Silky Sexy Hair Frizz Eliminator silk serum to prevent frizz and protect from heat damage. Use a paddle brush to blow dry smooth.

- Create an off center part from middle to of the eyebrow to the top center

- Tuck one side behind the ear and place a hair accessory to keep it place - Finish it off with Big Sexy Hair Big Shine spray to for a reflective shine!

As Anne's cropped hair grows out she is definitely keeping her hair nicely coiffed with ala Mia Farrow.

Get the Sexy Look:

- On towel dried hair, blow dry Short Sexy Hair's What a Body into the hair for weightless body.

- Spray Short Sexy Hair's Play Dirty to add shine, texture and a moveable hold!

The high bun trend seen on Selma Hayek has taken a turn to include a lot more texture! This look can be easily achieved and dressed up with a gorgeous hair accessory!

Get the Sexy Look:

-Tussle hair up in an unkept high ponytail.

- Use a small amount of Short Sexy Hair Control Maniac down and twist the entire ponytail onto itself and place hair grips to secure in a bun shape.

- Lightly mist Healthy Sexy Hair Beach Spray and pull out pieces to give it a an intentionally undone finish! Don't forget to accesorize!

For info on Sexy Hair products visit www.sexyhair.com or find it at www.ulta.com

Definitely a classic look, Adele never disappoints to give big sexy hair with this half up, half down bouffant style!

Get the Sexy Look:

-On damp hair, apply Big Sexy Hair's Root Pump on the roots. As for the rest of the hair, apply Blowdry Volumizing Gel then blowdry entire head to achieve tremendous volume and all over body.

- Using a large barrel curling iron, set the the hair away from the face with Big Sexy Hair's Spray and Play.

-Brush out your set using a boar bristle brush.

- Section of the top profile in U shaped parting and side profile sections leave back profile down.

- Starting on the  top profile, backcomb  sections from the back of the crown and work toward the front using Big Sexy Hair What a Tease to lock in. Make sure to leave a fringe section out un back combed to detail around the face. Smooth the teased hair in an upward motion to maintain its shape and secure with a hair grip.

- The side sections is brought to the back and merged together into a twist and secured with hair grips.

-Detail your curled ends with Healthy Sex Hair Soy Paste to smooth out the ends and eliminate additional frizz.  

Keeping with the classic trend, Amy Adams modernizes her French twist or pleat by keeping it more unkept.

How to:

- Divided the top profile in a U shaped section and clip out. Depending the direction of the pleat determines on how you section of the sides. In Amy's case, it twist over from right to left.

-Keeping with Amy's design, the left side is separated from front to back vertically at the tip of the ear. The right side section is then is separated vertically this time behind the ear or right corner of the nape. This should give you a total of 3 sections.

- Starting in the back section place the hair in a ponytail that sits on the center right side of the back of the head. The left side section and top section is gathered to this ponytail using Short Sexy Hair Play Dirty to provide a flexible hold with texture.

-Dust on Big Sexy Hair's Powder Play for texture and volume and back brush using a boar bristle brush to a cushion.  Use a hair net to control the hair and pin it to the right side of the ponytail and roll it to the left to creat your pleat foundation.

-The remaining hair on the right side section is then used to smooth over the the foundation creating an undone "cheat pleat."

-  Lastly lightly mist and diffuse blowdry dry Healthy Sexy Hair Beach Spray to accentuate the undone texture and detail out pieces around the face.

Muah!

Marc Mapile
Sexy Hair
Hair Artist
Follow me on FB/IG/twitter @CutmarC
marc@marcmapile.com